Maccheroni Cheese – A Delicious Italian Comfort Dish
Category: Main Course
Servings: 6
Maccheroni Cheese is a comforting, rich, and creamy dish that brings together a beautiful combination of different cheeses, making it a family favorite. This Italian-style mac and cheese features tender pasta enveloped in a silky cheese sauce and topped with a crunchy, golden-brown breadcrumb crust. Perfect for both weeknight dinners and special occasions, this dish will have everyone asking for seconds.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Cellentani (or any short pasta) | 600g |
| Breadcrumbs | 30g |
| Butter (for sauce) | 30g |
| Butter (for greasing) | 70g |
| All-purpose flour | 100g |
| Whole milk | 1 liter |
| Fontina cheese | 250g |
| Emmentaler cheese | 250g |
| Ground nutmeg | To taste |
| Salt | To taste |
| Black pepper | To taste |
| Grated Parmigiano Reggiano DOP | 100g |
Nutritional Information
| Nutrient | Amount per serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 460 kcal |
| Protein | 22g |
| Carbohydrates | 45g |
| Fat | 26g |
| Saturated Fat | 16g |
| Fiber | 2g |
| Sugars | 7g |
| Sodium | 750mg |
(Note: Nutritional values are estimated based on average portion sizes and may vary based on specific brands and ingredients used.)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Cheese Mixture
Start by preparing your cheeses. Cut the Fontina and Emmentaler cheeses into small pieces, removing any rind. Set these aside for later use. In a saucepan, melt the butter (30g) over medium heat. Once melted, add the all-purpose flour and whisk to combine, forming a roux. Allow it to cook for a couple of minutes to eliminate the raw flour taste. Gradually pour in the whole milk while stirring constantly to prevent any lumps from forming. Continue to cook and whisk until the sauce thickens and becomes creamy.
Step 2: Flavor the Sauce
Once the sauce has thickened, season it with salt, freshly ground black pepper, and a pinch of ground nutmeg to enhance the flavors. Lower the heat and add in the prepared Fontina and Emmentaler cheeses. Stir gently until the cheeses have completely melted, creating a smooth, velvety cheese sauce.
Step 3: Cook the Pasta
While you are preparing the cheese sauce, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the Cellentani pasta and cook it for about 2 minutes less than the package instructions suggest, aiming for a very al dente texture. Drain the pasta, reserving a bit of the cooking water just in case you need it later to adjust the consistency of the cheese sauce.
Step 4: Prepare the Baking Dish
Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Grease a large baking dish with 70g of butter, making sure to coat the bottom and sides thoroughly. Once greased, sprinkle the breadcrumbs evenly over the bottom and sides of the dish. This will create a crispy, golden crust once baked.
Step 5: Combine the Pasta and Cheese Sauce
In a large mixing bowl, combine the drained pasta and the prepared cheese sauce. Stir until the pasta is fully coated in the creamy cheese mixture. If the sauce seems too thick, you can add a bit of the reserved pasta cooking water to loosen it up.
Step 6: Bake the Maccheroni Cheese
Transfer the cheese-coated pasta into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the top with the grated Parmigiano Reggiano cheese, ensuring an even layer across the surface. Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbling with delicious cheese.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy
Once the Maccheroni Cheese is baked to perfection, remove it from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. This dish pairs wonderfully with a light salad or can be enjoyed on its own as a rich and satisfying meal. Serve warm, and relish every creamy, cheesy bite!
Tips and Variations:
- Add-ins: For extra flavor and texture, consider adding crispy bacon, sautéed mushrooms, or caramelized onions into the cheese mixture.
- Vegetarian Version: Keep the dish vegetarian by ensuring that all your cheeses are made from non-animal rennet.
- Spicy Maccheroni Cheese: For a spicy kick, sprinkle some red chili flakes or a dash of hot sauce into the cheese sauce before combining with the pasta.
- Make Ahead: You can prepare the maccheroni cheese in advance, assemble everything in the baking dish, and refrigerate it until you’re ready to bake. This is a great option for busy days or preparing a dish ahead of a dinner party.
This Maccheroni Cheese recipe offers a deliciously creamy and flavorful twist on the classic mac and cheese, with the addition of rich Italian cheeses and a perfectly golden breadcrumb topping. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or simply craving comfort food, this dish is sure to impress with its luscious texture and irresistible taste. Enjoy!
